Category Archives: Explanations

We’ve all probably seen some animation about how an internal combustion engine works. Usually it’s when we don’t care and we just want permission to take the car keys.

But somehow, seeing the real thing happen in slow motion, and right in front of your eyes — it’s a different thing.

We were afraid that this video would be a little bit too long, but we definitely felt that it was worth the time. We probably ran the view count up by a few, watching it over and over.

We’re always drawn to Maker Videos, and we expect to get something like that out of the next San Jose 48 Hour Film Project. It looks like the competition will run in April and the movies will be screened for audiences in late April and May.

By now, most of us who are paying attention know that the traditional mercator projection is quite inaccurate when used for the world map. But did you know how inaccurate it is?

Take a look at this enlightening (and delightful) journey around the world. You may have a moment of deja-vu when the narrator lapses into an homage to Yakko Warner’s iconic “Nations of the World” rap.

We think a student of the world could spend several hours just following the clues and links stuffed into that fast-moving piece.

Although we hope cartographers and historians will do their best to tell the truth, storytellers and narrative filmmakers are not expected to observe that restriction. That’s why we’re glad to know that San Francisco independent filmmakers are setting out today to create a new crop of short films as part of the 48 Hour Film Project.

You can learn more at their Facebook page, or just subscribe to this blog and we’ll be sure to remind you when the premiere screenings and awards show are announced.

We all know that cooking is both a science and an art. In fact, maybe most art is a science and an art.

This clip brings the both into focus as we see how to sear the surface of a good steak.

Okay, Now we’re hungry!

Hey just a reminder YouTubers and filmmakers. There’s still a chance to get the Early Bird rate for registration in the San Francisco 48 Hour Film Project. It’s a great way for you to get to tell your own stories.

You may have quibbles with the underlying dataset, or with the style of this depiction, but you can’t deny that this way of viewing the events of history opens up new ideas and questions for discussion.

We found a treasure trove of similar video that addresses both historical and contemporary events in this same visual fashion. We were left with a lot of questions.

Our friends at Schoolhouse Earth asked us to make it a practice to continue presenting interesting learning videos. The folks at “In a Nutshell – Kurzgesagt” have created a steady stream of good candidates, so it’s an easy request to accommodate.

Here’s a very charming look at two of our favorite tiny moons. Deimos and Phobos.

This article sponsored by Schoolhouse Earth, a foundation committed to providing learning experiences where ever we find a gap. Schoolhouse Earth regularly contributes to See It Online with topics that address learning and online education.

We always wondered about that. Because if a black hole could fit in a nutshell, would you want to keep it in your pocket? Could be handy we think.

Good learning videos from a good source. This is the sort of thing that Patreon was designed to support. Give their campaign a look. You might find one of the perks there that amuses you as much as this fun video.

This article sponsored by Schoolhouse Earth, a foundation committed to providing learning experiences where ever we find a gap. Schoolhouse Earth regularly contributes to See It Online with topics that address learning and online education.